Zombies are a pop culture staple that keeps people like me glued to their screens. While “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” and “The Walking Dead” explore the zombie hoards, they have wildly different approaches to the apocalypse! I wanted to take a look at the unique elements of each show to see why they stand out in zombie fiction.
I started watching “The Walking Dead” when it came on AMC for the first time and I LOVED IT! Recently I started watching “Zom 100” and really have enjoyed the show so far. The release of “Zom 100” has been a little stilted because of production issues (though it might be completely dead) and “The Walking Dead” has a newer series focused on my favorite character Daryl Dixon.
Edit to Add – SURPRISE! The remaining Zom 100 episodes were released in the US on Christmas day 2023.
The Stories
“Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” is in an animated series that takes place in Tokyo and follows the story of Akira, a disillusioned salary man who survives a zombie outbreak. Emerging from self-isolation, he faces a city packed with the undead. The show humorously explores Akira’s adventures as he creates his list of things he wants to accomplish before he’s a zombie and starts to cross the dreams off his list one by one navigating a world overrun with danger. It’s a not so subtle take down of Japanese office culture.
In contrast, “The Walking Dead” is a long-running live action television series set in a world where the majority of humanity succumbs to a virus that turns the dead into zombies. The story revolves around a group of survivors led by Rick Grimes, navigating not only the undead hordes but also the reality of human nature in a desperate fight for survival.
Atmosphere
“Zom 100” sets itself apart by making humor the center of it’s zombie narrative. Despite the insane circumstances, the show uses a ton of comedic elements that give it a unique blend of horror and comedy. I mean, one character is actually a comedian! Focusing on Akira’s personal growth and interactions with other quirky survivors adds a light touch to the situation.
On the other hand, “The Walking Dead” has a gritty and intense atmosphere. The show is driven by suspense, drama, and emotional depth; exploring darker themes like morality, loss, and human cruelty. The show’s realistic, dirty, and grim portrayal of a post-apocalyptic world tends to leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches. It’s really heartbreaking and spurs continued viewing with the character stories.
Character Development
“Zom 100” revolves around the growth of its protagonist, Akira. Throughout the series, we see his transformation from an overworked, somewhat zombie-like salary man to a resourceful and brave apocalypse survivor. The show spends a lot of time highlighting the camaraderie between Akira and his energetic and determined friend, Kencho with a small a cast of bit characters who serve to drive the main protagonist’s growth.
In contrast, “The Walking Dead” boasts an extremely large cast for a horror based TV show, allowing for the development of multiple characters with very different backgrounds and personalities. As the show progresses, characters die and new ones join the group. Over the course of the show’s many seasons, it delves into the victories and struggles faced by the group, giving viewers a much deeper understanding of the characters’ motivations and drive.
Artistic Style
“Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” employs a vibrant and visually appealing art style, complemented by really smooth animation. The zombie blood is a rainbow colored affair, signifying how much more colorful and lively Akira’s life is after his “Black Company” experience. The character designs are well-done, and the post-apocalyptic Tokyo setting is highly detailed, yet stylized, creating a unique and engaging world for the viewers.
Meanwhile, “The Walking Dead”‘s visual approach is more realistic, with a focus on practical, realistic effects and makeup to create its terrifying zombie horde. The show’s cinematography and use of those practical effects contribute to the gritty and immersive atmosphere, enhancing the sense of danger and dread.
Duration and Pacing
“Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” is an anime series with a (seemingly) finite number of episodes and has a concise and focused storytelling approach. Each episode has a significant impact on the story with each episode building upon the previous one. It’s really refreshing to see what happens each week.
On the other hand, “The Walking Dead”, as a long-running TV series, has had to navigate its episodic structure to maintain viewer engagement over multiple seasons. While this format allows for more intricate plot lines and character arcs, it also occasionally has pacing issues and seeming filler episodes.
Final thoughts
“Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” and “The Walking Dead” are both interesting entries in the zombie genre, each offers a distinct take on the apocalypse. “Zom 100” stands out with its unique blend of humor and horror, exploring personal growth amidst the undead chaos. While “The Walking Dead” excels in its gritty realism, complex character dynamics, and emotional storytelling – it dragged on far too long and became stale over time.